ROTC cadets celebrate contracting into U.S. Army

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Parents sat on the sidelines dabbing the corners of their eyes with handkerchiefs Wednesday as they watched their sons and daughters pin the prestigious gold bar under their name tags.

Cadets accepted the honor and along with it, a very challenging, grueling military career.

The contracting ceremony has been a tradition ingrained in Central Michigan University’s ROTC program over the years, where students are officially accepted into the U.S. Army.

“I am ready for the commitment,” said Clarkston freshman Derek Booker.

Eleven cadets signed the official contract in Finch Fieldhouse.

Lt. Will Williams, ROTC enrollment and scholarship officer, said the ceremony is offered twice a semester and is available to any cadet enrolled in the ROTC program. Contracting is the second step in the multi-step process of graduating from the program at CMU.

After, cadets receive a monthly stipend for their commitment. They must stay enrolled in ROTC classes to be commissioned as a second lieutenant upon graduation.

Cadets must also maintain a 3.5 grade point average and attend a four-week training camp in Washington. Their participation in a Leadership Development Assessment Course between their sophomore and junior year is also required.

The cadets stood in formation as they took the oath to fully devote themselves to the commitment of a lifetime.

“It is the most proud moment of my life,” said Lake Orion junior Joe Graffeo. “I get to serve my country and I couldn’t be happier.”

For Kimberley Hammons, the mother of St. Clair Shores senior Heather Hammons, her daughter receiving the pin was a moment to never forget.

“She is following in her father’s footsteps,” Kimberley Hammons said. “I could cry, I am so proud of her.”